Between Two Worlds: The Journey Behind My Novel

When I began writing Between Two Worlds, I didn’t set out merely to tell a story. I was searching for meaning in something I had been witnessing for years—something not only literary, but deeply human and often painful.

Living in the United States, I’ve seen how complex it is to raise bilingual, bicultural, or multicultural children in a country that, unlike many in Europe, is not naturally multilingual. For Hispanic families, this reality can feel especially heavy. I’ve witnessed it in my students, in parish families, in friends, and in countless conversations with members of the Hispanic community here in Memphis and across the U.S. Again and again, I heard the same tension: the longing to honor and preserve our culture, while facing the pressure to hide parts of ourselves in order to belong.

This struggle goes far beyond language. It reaches the core of identity. Many of us grow up with the sense that we are never fully “enough” for either world. Too Mexican to be American, too American to be Mexican. In our countries of origin, we may feel like outsiders, questioned for our accents or perspectives. In the U.S., we may feel compelled to silence our Spanish, our traditions, or even our faith, for fear of being “too different.” The result is a constant negotiation of self—exhausting, invisible, and at times deeply isolating.

Between Two Worlds was born out of these reflections and personal experiences. The novel tells the story of Ana Martínez Hernández, a Mexican-American woman navigating these tensions. Through her voice echo the stories of many: children translating for their parents, families carrying quiet sacrifices, and young people convinced they must split themselves apart in order to belong. Writing this novel became my way of honoring those voices. It is my attempt to say: you are not alone in this in-between space. The struggle of living between cultures is real, and it deserves to be seen, understood, and valued—not hidden.

In sharing this story, my hope is to spark a conversation that reaches beyond one community. This book is not only about Hispanics in Memphis or across the U.S.; it is about the universal human experience of identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to embrace every part of who we are.

Is This Book for Me?

You might be wondering: “Is this book worth reading if I’m not Hispanic? Does it have anything to do with me?”

🌎✨ Between Two Worlds: The Story of Ana Martínez Hernández ✨🌎

If you are asking yourself whether this book is for you… the answer is yes.

Between Two Worlds tells the story of Ana Martínez Hernández, a young Mexican-American woman navigating life, identity, and belonging. Her journey is not just fiction—it’s a reflection of real stories, real struggles, and real beauty that exist all around us.

This novel is a bridge between cultures. It will help you understand Hispanic culture: how we live, how we feel, and the challenges we face while also being American—just like you. At times, we feel unwelcome or even guilty because we love another flag too—the one of our parents’ or grandparents’ homeland—while also deeply loving the American flag.

If you live in the U.S. and want to understand your neighbors, classmates, or colleagues better; if you see Hispanics in your church, your school, or your community and want to connect more deeply; or if you’re simply curious about life lived between cultures—then this book is for you.

Though a work of fiction, Between Two Worlds is grounded in truth. Think of it as both a novel and a survival guide for a globalized world—one filled with insights, understanding, and the shared human experiences that unite us all. You might have an Ana Martínez Hernández in your classroom, in your workplace, as a friend of your children, in your neighborhood, sitting next to you at Mass, as a patient, or as a client. In truth—Ana could be anywhere.

Behind each name, behind each face, there is a story, a culture, and a journey that deserves to be seen and valued. Too often, we forget that the people we encounter every day carry with them rich traditions, unique struggles, and inspiring strengths.

So, the question is: Do we notice Ana? Do we welcome her? Do we make space for her story?

When we open our eyes and hearts to the “Anas” around us, we don’t just see individuals—we see a community that makes us all richer by its presence.

👉 I invite you to read Between Two Worlds. Let Ana’s story open your heart, expand your vision, and bring you closer to those who live between cultures every day.

Javiera Navarrete MA. – Author, Educator, Advocate for Hispanic Voices Passionate about bilingualism, culture, and storytelling, Javiera writes novels and essays that explore identity, belonging, and the human experience.

📚 Read her novel: Between Two Worlds

🌐 Website / Blog: https://booksbyjavi.com/

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💬 Connect with Javiera and join the conversation about language, culture, and identity.